A positive herpes simplex type 1 IgG indicates that the body has been infected or is being infected with the herpes simplex virus, usually in conjunction with an IgM test. Herpes simplex type 1 IgG is usually seen in the middle to late stages of infection or during recovery. Early in the infection period IgM appears, then as it progresses IgG appears, which is present in the body for an extremely long period of time, so a positive result can also be present after recovery. If you need to identify whether you are currently infected or have been infected you will need to combine this with an IgM antibody test. If the IgM is also positive, then you have had a recent herpes simplex virus infection. If the IgM is negative, then there is a history of previous infection.